Connector port for network interface device

• US 20050254757A1
• Filed: 05/09/2005
• Published: 11/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 02/23/2004
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Corning Cable Systems LLC (Corning Incorporated)
• Inventors: Ferretti, Vincent E. III, Keenum, John A., Burns, Scott C., Deutsch, Bernhard A.
• Application Number:
  US11/125,302
• Publication Number:
  US 20050254757A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 385/88
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3885 Multicore or multichannel optical connectors, i.e. one single ferrule containing more than one fibre, e.g. ribbon type optical ribbon cable G02B6/4403, G02B6/448
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3893 Push-pull type, e.g. snap-in, push-on
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/3897 Connectors fixed to housings, casing, frames or circuit boards G02B6/44528 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4292 the light guide being disconnectable from the opto-electronic element, e.g. mutually self aligning arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: G02B 6/4471 Terminating devices demountable connectors G02B6/3807; Cable clamps

Abstract

A connector port is adapted for a (NID) to receive a connectorized optical fiber from inside the NID and a pre-connectorized drop cable from outside the NID. An exterior connector port includes a base positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a mount on the base and a connector receptacle secured to the mount adjacent the external wall. An interior connector port includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by an external wall of the NID, a bracket mounted inside the NID and a connector receptacle secured to the bracket. A connector port also includes an insert positioned within an opening defined by a wall of the NID and a connector port secured to the insert. The connector port permits a field technician to readily connect, disconnect and reconfigure optical connections between the connectorized optical fiber and the pre-connectorized drop cable in the field.

Claims

1. An optical connection system comprising:

a connector receptacle configured to receive at least one connectorized optical fiber in a ferrule; and

an optical electronic interface device positioned in direct optical communication with said optical fiber.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the optical electronic interface device is in physical contact with said optical fiber.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein both said connector receptacle and the optical interface are attached to a printed circuit board (PCB).

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein said PCB is positioned in a network interface device (NID).

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein said optical interface is attached to a printed circuit board (PCB).

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein said PCB is positioned in a network interface device (NID).

7. The system according to claim 6 wherein said NID comprises a back wall, said connector receptacle attached to said wall near said PCB.

8. The system according to claim 5, wherein the connector receptacle is accessible to a field technician only when a service provider access door provided on said network interface device is opened.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein said optical fiber comprises a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable.

10. A network interface device (NID) comprising:

a back wall;

a printed circuit board (PCB) mounted to said back wall;

an optical electronic interface device positioned on said PCB; and

an optical connector comprising at least one optical fiber positioned within a ferrule, wherein said optical fiber is in direct optical communication with said optical electronic interface.

11. The NID according to claim 10, wherein said connector is positioned in a receptacle mounted directly to said PCB.

12. The NID according to claim 10, wherein said connector is positioned in a receptacle mounted directly to said back wall.

13. The NID according to claim 10, wherein said connector is a connector of a pre-connectorized fiber optic drop cable.

14. The NID according to claim 13, wherein the connector is accessible to a field technician only when a service provider access door provided on said network interface device is opened.

15. The NID according to claim 14 wherein at least one of said fiber and said ferrule is in physical contact with said optical electronic interface.

16. A method comprising:

providing an optical fiber positioned in a ferrule; and

positioning the optical fiber in direct optical communication with an optical electronic interface.

17. A method in accordance with claim 16 further comprising positioning the optical fiber in a connector receptacle.

18. A method in accordance with claim 16 further comprising positioning the optical fiber in a connector receptacle mounted on a printed circuit board.

19. A method in accordance with claim 16 further comprising positioning the optical fiber in a connector receptacle mounted in a network interface device.

20. A method in accordance with claim 16 further comprising positioning the optical fiber in a connector receptacle mounted to a wall of a network interface device.